Monday, April 9, 2012

What a Day!

Oh, my...what a day we had yesterday! Gracie has been waiting for her birthday forever, it seems. She has sung "Happy Birthday" to all of her cousins, her sister, 2 brothers and some classmates...all with great joy and happiness. Finally, though, it was her turn! I knew she was going to be excited...and I was right! We started the morning with Easter, which was all too exciting in and of itself. After her nap, we fixed her hair like Cinderella :) and waited for everyone to come. (She has the perfect hair for an "updo")

Some of these pics look like she has make-up on...she doesn't...she just glows!

I snuck this one of my and my honey in here because we never have pics together :)

I kept the cake hidden from her because I had a feeling this is the reaction I would get :) As Richard walked out with that beautiful Cinderella cake, well...see for yourself... (If you haven't watched the video, scroll down...you won't want to miss that!)

This is when she began to sing "Happy Birthday". It was so unbelievably sweet.

Just a couple of present pics. Her excitement carried until every present was opened.

As I sit here going over these pictures and putting this post together, my heart feels like it might burst. This child has brought new life into this house. It is not always appreciated...especially around bedtime ;) but she has such an amazing joy that comes from her soul...it's humbling. That she could have lived through the losses she has already experienced and come through it all with such a joy and zest for life. Her middle name "Joy" is perfectly suited for her. This birthday, her first with her forever family, will go down in my book as one of the most amazing days of my life. Thank you, Lord, for this amazing child. Let me never forget that her exuberance is a gift from you...even at bedtime :)

24 comments:

You know, Jennifer, even when she was still in China - her pictures on the Pearl River site- you could see the joy dwelling deep down inside her hoping to come out. I will say that now, with her forever family, the joy just isn't in her soul, but can now be seen by the entire world. I am so "joyful" for both her and your family! :-)

I am choking back tears....what a darling day! My children take their birthdays, parties, cakes and presents so for granted. To see her Joy and to think what could have happened if she hadn't come to your family - just too much to imagine!

Happy Happy Birthday Gracie Joy! And heres to many more with your forever family!

Happy Birthday Gracie Joy! I have thoroughly enjoyed looking at Gracie's wonderful birthday pictures. Her excitement is palpable even in the pictures. She just vibrates! The video was adorable. You are incredibly blessed to be sharing your life with your two little ones. Thanks for sharing them with us!

Jen,You know that God chose this child for you! It is so evident, even on the crazy days! I love how this special "first" birthday for Gracie Joy has allowed you to truly appreciate how she has been created even more than you already do!!!! I am so thankful for the way God protected Gracie's inner joy so she could share it in only the way she can! She is beautiful on the inside and out!!! I look forward to watching what God has in store for this little bundle of energy!! I pray she always looks at life this way!!! I am so thankful that I get to watch her grow up in your amazing family! She is special!!!!

What a precious day!!! She reminds me SO much of EK in these pics~ their chins are quite regal!!! Beautiful for sure! LOVED her excitement and true sincerity with it all. What a blessing she is to your precious family! Thank you for sharing this beautiful miracle with us!!! Happy birthday to your princess!!! XOXO

Gracie Joy, we can all learn so much from you! I do believe your joy is contagious, and I want to catch it! Happy Birthday, sweet girl! You are a delight! I am so thankful that the Lord sent you to THIS family! I love you, MawMaw

Jennifer, I can't help but laugh every time I read your blog. Gracie is so much like our Leah that one would swear they were clones. There is never, ever a dull moment in our house or anywhere we go. Even the facial expressions, the silliness, the acute cuteness.... I look forward to the antics everyday. Our girls have to meet, it would make for a very fun and unforgettable experience. next time we take a road trip I will certainly let you know

Hi Jennifer, just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chrishttp://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.ca/

I am so late commenting on this (but we talked about it). Sorry..I have been kind of a blog slacker. Happy belated birthday to sweet Gracie. I love how joyful that girl is. She is such a gift from God!!! So sweet.

I was just checking to see when her bday is.. Such a sweet post. And, a reminder that these girls have such a gift and a purpose!!!! Praying tomorrow is a very special day in FL.. And, that April 8th 2013 is as wonderful as 2012 was!!!